How Do YOU Fight a Cold?
It's that time of year - cold season (well it has been for a while). As many of you know or have figured out, I'm not a big fan of medication. Don't get me wrong - I'm very happy to live in our modern era, and am very thankful for innumerable medical advances. However, I believe that there's too much stuff being swallowed in the name of easing simple illnesses.
An ounce of prevention really is worth more than a pound of cure. Here are some simple things you can do to keep your immune system nice and strong:
- get enough sleep ~ 7-8 hours minimum is recommended for adults. Yes, you read that right.
- hydrate ~ I liked the Whole Life Challenge idea of 1/2 oz. of water per pound of body weight.
- low/no sugar ~ both bacteria and viruses like to feed on sugar. If you eat a low sugar diet, there's less for those buggers to eat!
- exercise regularly ~ duh!
- Vitamin D, the sunshine vitamin ~ low levels of this hormone-like vitamin has been linked to an increased susceptibility to catching colds. If it's a sunny day, bask in some rays for some time. Otherwise, take a supplement. Supplementation amounts are subject to debate, however I would recommend either a vitamin D3 gelcap, or better yet, a liquid form.
And if you do find yourself starting to feel a little under the weather, you can:
- grab some Bragg's Apple Cider Vinegar ~ it has both viral and bacterial-fighting properties, and is a general immune booster. Yes, I know it doesn't taste the best, but it really does help. We usually take 1-2 Tbs in a glass of warm water.
- say NO to dairy ~ all dairy is a mucous thickener, so steer clear when you start to get any kind of congestion. Breast-feeding moms, this does not mean you should stop breast-feeding your stuffy little one!
- Vitamin C ~ while nothing can really cure a cold, vitamin C can definitely ease symptoms. We use Emergen-C.
- get extra sleep ~ another no brainer
- warm liquids, especially teas and broths ~ the steam can help loosen up any gunk that's stuck
- nasal rinse ~ gross, but it really does help
The question often comes up if one should exercise while sick. My recommendation is that there's a fever involved, NO. If there's no fever, play it by ear. Sometimes getting up and doing something will perk you up a bit, however I wouldn't try to hit a personal record for much of anything!!
Of course if you eat the way these books propose, you're even less likely to get sick!
3 Comments:
Our go-to cold/flu drink (which we’ve been drinking a lot of this past week): Hot tea and add tons of lemon juice, a good amount of honey, loads of ginger and a bit o’ ground cayenne pepper. It soothes your throat and helps with the stuffiness. And it generally warms you up
– swellpotato on January 3rd, 2013 at 3:07 pm
John gave me the cold he brought home from our trip to Miami last week. I started to feel ill on New Year’s Day, and as of today I feel like… well… pooey. Just stocked up on the off-brand vitamin C powders from CVS, have been taking those regularly, though I admit I’ve also been taking DayQuil and NyQuil to make it through. One thing that was recommended by a friend of mine from China is Ginger tea. I’ve been drinking plenty of hot mint tea with honey, and need to pick some Ginger tea up. I’ll have to get the Braggs, and also try the cayenne trick; I’ve heard both of those tips before.
– Cynthia on January 3rd, 2013 at 4:12 pm
Amy, all excellent ideas. But may I add one thing: if one does the nasal rinse with salt water and neti pot, it needs to be followed by ear drops in each ear. Home-made: one warms olive oil—with a clove of crushed garlic in it—to body temperature; strain; two or three drops in ear, every hour. Always body temperature. This prevents the nasal membranes from drying out, which would make one susceptible to the cold all over again.
– Ini Beckman on January 4th, 2013 at 6:22 pm